Another Screen to Stare At- Identifying the Problem

Think back on your day so far. How's the weather? How was the weather when you woke up? When you were walking to class? Is this a question you can even answer? As members of a society that values technology and connection over many other factors in our world, we may struggle to recall even the simplest observations about the reality surrounding us for this singular reason: we are too busy staring into rectangular screens that seem to rule our world.

Some people may be hesitant to admit it, but today, technology addiction is alive and well in the same way as substance addiction or any other type of obsession. Many people gaze into their screens far more often than they gaze into the eyes others, and honestly, it's affecting every aspect of the way we live. In my opinion, our society is fueling a technology obsession that holds online connections as far more real and important than face-to-face interactions.

Now, don't get me wrong– I can't sit here and act like I don't use technology every single day. I'm sitting here typing on my laptop, on a blog, with my phone less than ten feet away. But the real problem lies in people's ignorance, and the belief that putting so much time and attention into technology related mediums does not harm one's actual relationships in reality. How many times do we see two people sitting across from one another at a restaurant, both fully engrossed in their phones? It happens all the time, and there's no quick fix. The screen obsession is infecting the majority of today's society, and if nothing else, it's something to be aware of.

However, the topic I really want to bring to your attention is a more specific problem related to technology addiction. A side effect, if you will. It has to do with something you've probably done within the last half hour... text messaging.

It's a great way to keep in touch with your twice-removed Aunt Earla that lives in Scotland, but if you ask me, the texting phenomenon is taking a toll on all of us in one way or another.

Want to know more? Read on.